Japanese Prime Minister stated that Japan will not accept the 10% auto tariff in the UK-US tariff agreement.

In the negotiation regarding the US tariff measures on November 11th, Japanese Prime Minister Shibayama noted that the UK and the US had agreed to reduce the auto tariff rate from 25% to 10%, calling it "a model," but emphasized that Japan would continue to insist on the position of demanding the complete withdrawal of additional tariffs and would not accept the 10% auto tariff. In a Fuji TV program on the morning of November 11th (Japan time), he stated regarding the tariff agreement at a 10% rate for goods including autos between the US and the UK: "This is a model, but we are demanding the complete withdrawal of all additional tariffs, meaning that 10% is not acceptable." He once again reiterated the stance of striving for the full withdrawal of tariffs.

In the tariff negotiations with the US, Japan particularly values the auto sector as a core industry. Economic Revitalization Minister Akira Kuroe has consistently argued during consultations with the US side that a series of tariff measures, including those on autos, should be withdrawn. Prime Minister Shibayama's remarks reaffirmed Japan’s unchanged stance.

Regarding the Trump administration viewing Japan's auto safety standards as a "non-tariff barrier," Shibayama clearly pointed out: "Considering the traffic conditions of both countries, prioritizing national security is a common stance between Japan and the US. We will not sacrifice the safety of Japanese citizens to comply with US demands."

He pointed out that if Japanese citizens' safety were sacrificed to heed US opinions, then the Japanese government would ask, "Whose government is it anyway?"

He also stated: "We will not sacrifice Japan's agriculture for autos." However, he noted that increasing imports was an option to address the rising price of Japanese rice.

Shibayama pointed out that one reason for the rise in rice prices was insufficient supply. He stated: "If domestic production cannot be increased in the short term, increasing imports is a possible option." He also emphasized that while global rice production is increasing, Japan continues to see a reduction, adding: "Even if rice prices fall, we must consider what can be done to increase farmers' income. It is necessary to review rice policies and examine their structure." He also noted that expanding imports of corn from the US could potentially be used as raw material for biofuel "bioethanol."

Source: rfi

Original Article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831809020014592/

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